We take strong exception to the unwarranted references to Pakistan in the Joint Statement issued in Washington after the conclusion of U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue.

The anti-Pakistan assertions made by Indian Ministers of Defence and External Affairs during the Joint Press Availability are equally reprehensible.

We also take exception to the selective and one-sided nature of the Joint Statement. The grave humanitarian and human rights situation in the Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJ&K) caused by India’s unilateral and illegal measures of 5 August 2019 and its belligerent rhetoric and actions pose a serious threat to peace and security in South Asia. Failing to take cognizance of this serious situation is tantamount to abdication of international responsibility.

The international community recognizes Pakistan’s efforts, sacrifices and successes in the fight against terrorism. We believe India’s state-terrorism in IOJ&K and its threats to Pakistan imperil regional peace and security.

Our concerns and rejection of the unwarranted reference to Pakistan in the U.S.-India Joint Statement have been conveyed to the U.S. side through diplomatic channels.